Rolling paint on a wall is quick and easy. Then you have to do the trim and other woodwork. Actually, it’s not that difficult either, if you follow the right steps.
First off, leave it till you’ve painted the walls. It’s easier to cut in toward the walls than vice versa. Also, it’s easy to splatter all your nice woodwork if you do it first.
Masking edges is a real pain, so it’s a good idea to perfect your freehand technique. A quality tapered, angled brush and steady long strokes should leave a crisp line where the wood meets the wall.
If the woodwork is new wood, seal any knotholes with shellac, and prime first. If it’s been painted already, prepare as you would for walls, dulling any shiny surfaces with steel wool or sandpaper, and washing with TSP.
Paint woodwork from top down. On doors, start with the rails or horizontal sections. Next, do the molded edges of panels, then the panel itself. Finish with the stiles — or vertical sections. If you’re using glossy paint, apply the paint horizontally to begin with, then finish with vertical strokes. Do the job all at once, so you don’t end up with lap marks.
On baseboards, paint the top edge first, then the bottom along the floor, then fill in the middle.
Cabinet doors and drawers are easier if you remove them. Paint their flat surfaces first. If you’re painting the inside of cabinets, start back in the far corners and work out. You’ll end up with less paint on your arm.